Fernando Alonso wants 'two or three' weekends outside F1 in 2018

Fernando Alonso says he wants to race outside of Formula 1 on "two or three" weekends in 2018 and is waiting to talk to McLaren about the possibilities.

The Spaniard's new contract includes a provision for him to compete in non-F1 events, with speculation mounting Alonso could take part in the Le Mans 24 Hours event after ruling out another crack at the Indianapolis 500.

But Alonso insists he is keen to race as much as possible next season, even though he is expecting a more competitive F1 campaign in a Renault-powered McLaren, and is open to multiple racing series.

"For me, I would race every weekend in any car in any country," Alonso told Sky Sports F1 at the United States GP.

"Obviously that would be difficult for McLaren to allow me to race every weekend, but I think two or three weekends on the year [I will race] in a different series.

"So at the right time I will speak with the team and we'll see what happens."

Alonso's comments appear to suggest his motorsport goals branch outside a career 'Triple Crown' - winning Le Mans, the Indy 500 and the Monaco GP, which he first won in 2006.

He is reportedly set to feature in the Daytona 24 hours race with United Motorsport in January 2018.

McLaren director Zak Brown, who organised Alonso's Indy attempt this year, has already stated that while there isn't a 'Le Mans clause' in his star driver's deal, the team would discuss his 2018 opportunities.

"If Fernando would like to do some additional racing that doesn't compromise our Formula 1 efforts then we'll be open to that conversation and flexible," Brown told reporters.